Daijiworld Media Network- Los Angeles

Los Angeles, Jun 10: A dramatic political showdown is unfolding in the United States as President Donald Trump on Monday accused California Governor Gavin Newsom of “committing a crime” by continuing as governor, intensifying tensions amid ongoing immigration protests in Los Angeles.

The incendiary remark was made during a press briefing at the White House South Lawn, following Trump’s controversial deployment of thousands of National Guard troops to LA without the state’s consent. When questioned about the legal basis for his arrest comment, Trump doubled down:

“His primary crime is running for governor… What he’s done to that state is like what Biden’s done to the country.”

The President also expressed support for former immigration enforcement chief Tom Homan, who had earlier hinted at the possibility of arresting Newsom over alleged interference with federal officers. “I would do it if I were Tom. I think it's great,” Trump said.

Governor Gavin Newsom responded swiftly and sharply. Taking to social media, he posted a video of Trump’s statement and issued a scathing response:

“This is a day I hoped I would never see in America. The President of the United States just called for the arrest of a sitting Governor.”

He accused Trump of authoritarianism, stating, “These are the acts of a dictator, not a President.” Newsom also revealed that California would sue the federal government over the unauthorized deployment of troops, calling it a dangerous precedent for state sovereignty.

“The order he signed doesn't just apply to CA. It will allow him to go into ANY STATE and do the same thing,” Newsom warned.

Adding fuel to the fire, the Pentagon confirmed that an additional 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines from Twentynine Palms have been ordered to Los Angeles. Their specific mandates remain undisclosed, raising concerns about the scale and intent of the federal intervention.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson backed Trump’s move, stating that “if local leaders fail to uphold the law, the federal government must step in.” Meanwhile, Tom Homan clarified on Fox News that there was no official plan to arrest Newsom, despite earlier suggesting no one is “above the law.”

Critics fear that Trump’s actions could spark a constitutional showdown over states’ rights vs federal authority. Legal scholars warn that deploying troops without a state’s approval, especially for domestic enforcement, sets a troubling precedent.

With Los Angeles protests showing no signs of slowing and political rhetoric heating up, the standoff between Trump and Newsom is rapidly turning into one of the most volatile flashpoints of the 2024 election year.